Are 'Memory’ pills bunk?
December 13th 2009 00:57
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Spending money on health supplements with "memory-enhancing powers” and ingredients that "sharpen the mind” could be better spent on fresh, healthy foods, local health and nutrition experts said.
→Coenzyme Q10: An antioxidant occurring naturally in the body that is needed for normal cell reactions.
→Coral calcium: A form of calcium carbonate claimed to be from formerly living organisms. The federal Food and Drug Administration filed a formal complaint against promoters and distributors of this product in 2003.
→Phosphatidylserine: A kind of fat that surrounds nerve cells.
→Gingko biloba: A plant extract thought to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
→Huperzine A: A moss extract that has properties similar to some drugs that are FDA approved for Alzheimer’s treatment.
→Omega-3 fatty acids: Polyunsaturated fats with links to reduced risk of heart disease and stroke.
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Claims about the memory enhancing qualities of these products are based on limited research, testimonials and traditions in some Eastern medicines. There are legitimate concerns about using them as an alternative or with drugs prescribed by a doctor because they can interact with other drugs. Their effectiveness and safety are largely unknown — as is their purity. Also, bad reactions are not monitored as they are with prescription drugs.
NewsOK Related ArticlesAmericans spent nearly $25 billion on dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, herbs and weight loss pills in 2008. That’s up from $23.7 billion in 2007, according to The Nutrition Business Journal.
This estimate includes those products that are touted as reducing memory loss and increasing brain power and focus.
Memory supplements can be bought over the counter at pharmacies, on the Internet and in grocery stores. They typically range in price from $20 to $90 per bottle.
Dr. Calin Prodan, a neurologist at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, said memory supplements are costly, and there is limited research that their ingredients work or are safe for long-term use.
"There is very little proof that the products advertised for memory loss actually prevent or cure anything,” he said.
Prodan said some vitamins and compounds in the supplements do have positive effects on general health.
Supplements such as Vitamin B-12 and antioxidants can affect the body’s natural processes and, in turn, the brain.
However, less expensive multivitamins and better eating habits are more effective at maintaining memory or even improving it.
A believer
Jeff Cook, 60, of Seminole, said he has tried memory-enhancing supplements because he’s witnessed the debilitating effects of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
"People are scared of it happening to them.”
"I have a photographic memory, but I don’t have any more film,” Cook joked. Now, he and his wife play games and puzzles such as Sudoku that help with cognitive skills.
Prodan recommends the same thing for his patients: "It’s use it or lose it; you have to maintain your mind the same way you would your body.”
What is normal
Karen Massey, a dietician and nutritionist for Integris Health, said it’s important to keep in mind that as people age there are going to be more instances of forgetting where the keys were placed or not remembering a phone number.
She said it’s important to understand what is normal and to contact a doctor if things worsen.
"The jury is still out on recommending individual supplements,” Massey said.
She warns people choosing to take any kind of supplement to tell their doctor because some ingredients have interactions with prescription medicines.
"This is especially problematic since memory loss occurs more frequently in older populations — the very group who is also more likely to be taking medications,” she said.
From: NewsOK BY VALLERY BROWN
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